The Importance of Being Earnest (Dramatised)

Ever since the first night at the St James' Theatre on 14 February 1895, The Importance of Being Earnest has been recognised as one of the world's finest comic dramas. Now Judi Dench as Lady Bracknell leads an outstanding cast in this superb new production of Wilde's masterpiece, mounted to celebrate the centenary of the first performance.

Publisher's Summary

Ever since the first night at the St James' Theatre on 14 February 1895, The Importance of Being Earnest has been recognised as one of the world's finest comic dramas. Now Judi Dench as Lady Bracknell leads an outstanding cast in this superb new production of Wilde's masterpiece, mounted to celebrate the centenary of the first performance.

One of my favourites by Oscar Wilde... Is it possible to "hear" an arched eyebrow? Dame Judi Dench is infallible as Lady Bracknell: "To lose one parent, Mr. Worthing, may be regarded as a misfortune; to lose both looks like carelessness." I never get tired of this!

If you're going to read The Importance of Being Earnest this is the copy you want. The performance is incredibly delightful & there is no way you'll have the same experience simply reading the text. I have read the text & loved it but there really is no comparison. Short of seeing it performed at the theatre this is it.

The story itself is a hilarious "romp", it keeps your attention 100% and is wonderfully amusing.

Would you recommend The Importance of Being Earnest (Dramatised) to your friends? Why or why not?

I would only recommend this audiobook to someone who is interested in Oscar Wilde but incapable of grasping Victorian vernacular. Not only is this version abridged, words are rewritten to make it easier to understand for a twenty-first century American audience. Insulting. Part of the fun of reading, listening, seeing a play by Oscar Wilde is his wit with words. Changing them because someone might not understand undermines his work.

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

Some of the lines are emphasized incorrectly according to the script. Some of the actors are too old for their parts. Algy and Jack are performed superbly, as is Miss Prism and Cecily.

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